Leeds United’s pursuit of new signings is ongoing with The Whites desperate to add an attacker before Monday’s 7pm deadline. But while Leeds continue to be frustrated, Sunderland are about to do a deal.
Daniel Farke has made it clear Leeds need more in the final third if they are to have any chance of survival, after scoring just one goal in three Premier League games. But Leeds are being frustrated in their search.
Farke wants a player that can play numerous positions, likely to be out wide or in the 10 role. But the likes of Bilal El Khannouss, Christantus Uche, Facundo Buonanotte and Eduard Spertsyan are no longer options.
Spertsyan has ruled out a late move, Uche is set for Palace and El Khannouss is joining Stuttgart for a fee of £26m. Over at Sunderland, The Black Cats are showing Leeds how it is done, with a striker signing.
Sunderland move quickly to replace surprise Marc Guiu departure
Liam Delap picked up a hamstring injury on Saturday during Chelsea’s win over Fulham. It has seen new Sunderland signing Marc Guiu’s loan end as soon as it started, and Sunderland needed a replacement.
Chelsea have recalled Guiu, with Guiu a target for Leeds before he joined Sunderland. Regis Le Bris’ side have been pro-active in the market and have moved to sign Ajax’s powerhouse striker Brian Brobbey.
According to The Mail’s deadline day blog (01/09, 8.20AM), Sunderland have now agreed a fee with Ajax for Brobbey. It sees Sunderland pay an initial £17.3m and agree to £4.3m more in add-ons for Brobbey.
Brobbey has made a name for himself at Ajax and would have fit ticked Leeds’ boxes. LeedsUnited.News even suggested Brobbey as a possible signing for Leeds this summer, but Sunderland have got their man.
Leeds toiling as Sunderland get the job done, even if it costs more
There is something admirable about Leeds’ approach this window, only paying what they think is fair and getting value for money. It keeps money in the coffers and wipes out any concern of breaking PSR rules.
But when push comes to shove, Leeds are struggling to get deals done as they pursue a narrow criterion of player and refuse to pay over the odds. Leeds are yet to go beyond £20m on one signing this summer.
Whether Leeds do make a signing or two on deadline day, they will have to take their medicine and move like Sunderland to get a deal done. Pay over the odds, but reduce the risk of failing to sign any players.
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